With our monthly budgets being torn into every month by necessities like food and electricity sometimes getting the latest Galaxy or iPhone just isn’t an option. Thankfully there are more affordable options out there, and while they may be on the lower end of the performance spectrum, the smartphones on this list are well worth the small price tag attached.
5. HTC Wildfire S
A great entry-level smartphone, the HTC Wildfire S comes with most of the modern essential you’d expect from smartphones today. The 600 MHz processor runs the Android operating system, giving it a decent enough performance.
Maybe the biggest selling point of this HTC is it’s 5 megapixel camera, allowing you to take the same quality of photos as what you would be able to on a more expensive phone.
Recommended retail price: R1 300.
4. BlackBerry Curve 9320
While it may not be the most trendy phone out there, the BlackBerry brand is still alive and well in South Africa. It has all of the basics you could ask for in a smartphone, all for an affordable price.
Running on the BlackBerry 7.1 operating system, you can expect WiFi connectivity, access to the dedicated BBM messaging service, a 3.2 megapixel camera and even that major throwback; a QWERTY keyboard.
Recommended retail price: R1 600.
3. Microsoft Lumia 435
While there are more expensive Lumia models out there, the Lumia 435 gives you a lot of functionality for a fraction of the price. Using the Windows Phone operating system you’ll have access to WiFi browsing, touchscreen capability and a 2 megapixel camera.
You’ll also be given access to Microsoft’s OneDrive, their answer to Google’s Dropbox service. Working with Microsoft Office, it is a streamlined experience allowing you to share documents and other media with ease.
Recommended retail price: R1 300.
2. Vodacom Smart 6
Now coming to local brands, the Vodacom Smart 6 is probably the cheapest phone you’ll find with LTE capability. It’s definitely not going to be breaking any performance records, but for it’s unbelievable cheap price you’ll still be getting a smartphone; albeit the bare essentials of one.
If you aren’t looking to run any high-performance games, and stay away from running plenty of apps, the Vodacom Smart 6 should serve you well. Other useful, if slightly outdated, features include a 2 megapixel camera, Android KitKat operating system, MicroSD card slot and a 4-inch screen.
Recommended retail price: R900.
1. MTN Steppa 2
Another local brand, the MTN Steppa 2 is an updated version of MTN’s first venture into the world of smartphones; the original Steppa model. For it’s unbelievably low price it certainly brings a lot to the table. Users can expect WiFI and 3G connectivity, 4GB of internal storage and the Android 4.3 operating system.
One of the most surprising features is the 5 megapixel camera, which considering the Steppa’s price, is real value for money.